Rhett Pitlick commits to Minnesota

Minnesota picked up a verbal commitment this week from Chaska, MN native Rhett Pitlick.

The HS sophomore forward did not, as is the custom, announce his decision on Twitter and thank everyone who helped him along the way. The Gopher Hockey Blog did confirm with sources that Pitlick committed, however. (Assistant coach Scott Bell also did his usual "hooked them" tweet and Chaska Boys Hockey tweeted out congratulations for the 2001-born Pitlick.)

Congratulations to sophomore Rhett Pitlick on his commitment to the University of Minnesota. Well done Rhett! #notwitter pic.twitter.com/nCIm8IPIxl

— Chaska Boys Hockey (@CHSboyshockey) October 13, 2017

A Gopher hockey legacy, Pitlick's parents were both athletes at the University of Minnesota. His father Lance played for Minnesota from 1986-1990 while Rhett's mother Lisa was a gymnast. His cousin Tyler played at Minnesota State before going on to an NHL career.

Older brother Rem, who was 5'3" when he committed before growing, is currently a sophomore forward with the Gophers.

Playing varsity at Chaska as a freshman (along with fellow Minnesota commit Mike Koster), Pitlick the younger scored 12 goals and 10 assists in 23 games.

Rhett was drafted 102nd overall by the Bloomington Thunder (now Central Illinois Flying Aces) in May's USHL Phase 1 Draft. Central Illinois also drafted Gopher commits Jake Braccini and Jake Boltmann.

The earliest he would likely be on campus is 2020.

Recent Gopher hockey verbal commitments:
-Jake Braccini - Buffalo (men's)
-Chaz and Cruz Lucius (men's)
-Aaron Huglen - Roseau (men's)
-Audrey Wethington - Blake (women's)
-Tella Jungels - Edina (women's)